June has been a whirlwind of excitement and I’m excited to give a few quick updates about what I’ve been up to and invite you to support some of the causes that are near and dear to me.
New Music Release from Decoteau Black – Stream Now!
In May, my band Decoteau Black released an EP called “Sam Feared for His Son.” The EP is a collection of songs that explore a Black father’s experiences living in a world where it’s a struggle to ensure the emotional and physical well-being of his son. We had a great time recording it and an even better time performing at Milwaukee’s recent Summer Soulstice Festival.
Check out “Sam Feared for His Son” and more Decoteau Black music on all music streaming platforms. Follow my new IG music page @decoteaublackmusic for visuals and behind the scenes footage and photos. And if you like my music, I hope you’ll it with your friends and family!
Juneteenth Youth Baseball Tournament
This Juneteenth, I had the honor of working with neighbors to organize and host Bronzeville’s Chicago’s first Juneteenth Youth Baseball Tournament. It was a first of a kind event for our neighborhood, a celebration of Blacks in baseball, that brought together teams from across the city. Check out a highlight reel here.
If you’re looking for a way to give back, consider supporting your local youth baseball and softball programming. Or support the Amstrong Park Advisory Council’s efforts here in Chicago. With all of our collective effort, it’s possible to make sure every kid who wants to play the game has the access and resources to do so.
Magical Black Tears Pop-Up teaches 90s Protest Music
For the past two years, I’ve been developing the Magical Black Tears Experiences, an interactive exhibition that teaches children ages 4-12 about protest as a vehicle for making the world better. Earlier this summer, I was invited to the June 26 and July 31, 2024 90s Summer Block Party at Chicago’s World Famous Navy Pier to put on a pop-up version of the Magical Black Tears Exhibition. This pop-up which focused on 90s hip-hop protest music was super dope! Check out a few pictures below.
If you happen to be in Chicago on Wednesday, July 31, stop by the Navy Pier where we’ll be doing another round of hip-hop protest trivia. Beyond Chicago, do you know of museums, galleries, cultural institutions, or festivals that would like to bring this empowering experience to your city? See a short video introduction of the exhibition at the Magical Black Tears Website and let’s make it happen.
Until next time, stay in the struggle and remember that progress is possible, and so is a more equitable world.
Decoteau J. Irby